Technical Manager – Tankers – Bangkok

Technical Manager – Tankers – Bangkok

We are working with an established maritime business seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the safe, reliable and cost-effective technical management of a fleet of ten bitumen tanker vessels.

Reporting directly to the Director –  Marine Business, the successful candidate will lead a team comprising three Technical Superintendents, a Drydocking Superintendent and a Technical Administration Officer.

This position would suit an experienced Technical Manager or Fleet Manager with a Chief Engineer or Naval Architecture background and extensive shore-based experience. Strong tanker and dual-fuel engine experience is required, while previous responsibility for vessels fitted with Wärtsilä machinery would be particularly advantageous.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the technical operation, maintenance and performance of a fleet of ten bitumen tanker vessels.
• Lead, support and develop the technical team, ensuring consistent standards across the fleet.
• Ensure vessels operate safely, efficiently and economically in compliance with company policies and international maritime regulations.
• Maintain compliance with Classification Society, Flag State, Port State, ISM, ISPS, MLC, STCW and other applicable requirements.
• Ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of vessel planned maintenance systems.
• Monitor vessel machinery, equipment and structural condition, ensuring maintenance is carried out in line with manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Manage vessel class status, statutory certification, surveys and technical inspections.
• Oversee dry dockings, major repairs and technical projects, ensuring vessels are returned to service safely, on time and within budget.
• Manage newbuilding and other shipbuilding projects undertaken by the group.
• Prepare and manage operating and capital expenditure budgets, monitor variances and report unforeseen expenditure.
• Review reports from Technical Superintendents, Masters and Chief Engineers relating to maintenance, repairs, surveys, dry dockings and associated costs.
• Ensure technical repairs and corrective actions are properly planned, completed and documented.
• Review and respond to findings arising from SIRE inspections, PSC inspections, audits and other safety-management reporting.
• Develop practical corrective action plans and follow each item through to satisfactory close-out.
• Conduct accident and incident investigations and provide recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor fuel and lubricating oil consumption and investigate any abnormal trends.
• Oversee the procurement and timely supply of spare parts required for safe vessel operation.
• Issue technical bulletins and provide guidance to vessels and shore-based colleagues when required.
• Provide technical support to the company’s marine, operations and commercial departments.
• Keep the Director of Marine Business regularly informed of fleet performance, significant defects and emerging risks.
• Monitor changes to maritime legislation and industry best practice, with particular attention to European regulatory requirements.

Essential requirements

• Class 1 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency, Naval Architecture qualification, Mechanical Engineering qualification or an equivalent technical background.
• At least seven years’ shore-based experience within technical ship management.
• Previous experience managing a fleet and leading a shore-based technical team.
• Hands-on technical management experience involving tanker vessels and dual-fuel engines.
• Strong knowledge of vessel maintenance, planned maintenance systems, dry docking, repairs and technical inspections.
• Experience managing operating and capital expenditure budgets.
• Good knowledge of Class, Flag State, ISM, ISPS, MLC and other applicable maritime regulations.
• Strong understanding of the SIRE, VIQ and TMSA processes.
• Demonstrable people-management skills and the ability to support and develop Technical Superintendents.
• Experience working effectively with multicultural teams, particularly Asian vessel crews and shore-based colleagues.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English and confidence using Microsoft Office and vessel-management systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and travel internationally without restriction.

Desirable experience

• Previous responsibility for vessels fitted with Wärtsilä engines or machinery.
• Experience managing bitumen, asphalt or other specialised tanker vessels.
• Detailed knowledge of European maritime and environmental regulations.
• Experience overseeing newbuilding or major vessel-conversion projects.
• Availability to join within one to two months.

Package and benefits

• Basic salary open to discussion depending on experience.
• Fixed monthly housing allowance
• Fixed monthly premium allowance 
• Variable annual bonus, typically equivalent to one to two months’ salary, subject to individual and company performance.
• Relocation assistance covering approved packing, sea freight, moving and insurance costs for up to a 20-foot container.
• One-way economy flights to Bangkok for the successful candidate, spouse and dependent children.
• Temporary accommodation for the first 30 days after joining.
• Support with the successful candidate’s Thai visa and work permit costs incurred in Thailand.
• 15 days’ annual leave following completion of the first year of service, with six days available during the first year after successful completion of probation.
• Group life insurance 
• Membership of  Fitness Club.
• Six-month probationary period